In this December 2015 update, Louis added the ranges for each of the S-400 missile types, new radar and electronic warfare equipment, from Russian air bases launched strategic bombers striking Syrian targets during November 2015, Turkish deployment after the downing of the Su-24M, some additional ships and logistic elements.

Version 2.1 – 20151211. Click on the infographic for a high-resolution version with a size of 2520×4344.

Supplementary information on certain Russian weapons systems

Sukhoi Su-34 (Fullback): fighter bomber to destroy ground, sea and air targets. The Su-34s should replace the Su-24s. Russia fighters stationed at Syrian air bases supported the ground operations of the Syrian armed forces with more than 60 sorties per day, which increased to more than 90 sorties per day during a bombardment campaign in November 2015 (see graphic below). After the downing of the Su-24M, the Su-34s are newly equipped with R-27 (AA-10 Alamo) and R-73 (AA-11 Archer) air-to-air missiles for self protection (Jacek Siminski, “Russian bombers now flying with air-to-air missiles for self-protection over Syria“, The Aviationist, 02.12.2015).

Mil Mi-8AMTSh (Hip): transport and assault helicopter with room for about 24 passengers. One Mi-8AMTSh was hit by small-arms fire from the ground during the search and rescue operation after the downing of the Su-24, November 24, 2015 and had to make an emergency landing. Following the landing, Syrian Turkmen destroyed the helicopter by a mortar round.

Orlan-10 UAVs: already been used for reconnaissance in Syria for a longer time.

T-90: a third-generation Main Battle Tank, which is essentially a modernization of the T-72B, incorporating many features of the T-80U.

BM-30 Smerch: a multiple launch rocket system with a max. range of 90 km. Two of them were located in a stadium about 10 km north-east of Latakia in May 2014 and are probably operated by the Syrian Army (35.466484°N 36.051163°E).

1RL131 Spoon Rest and 1RL22 Parol: general purpose, early warning and air traffic control radar, stationed at the air base in Latakia.

Pantsir-S1 (SA-22 Greyhound): land-based short-range air defense missile system. Russia has deployed Pantsir S1 and Buk-M2 medium-range surface-to-air missile systems (running probably jointly with Syrian Osa short-range tactical surface-to-air missile systems, S-125 Pechora-2M, 3RS, S-200 and other air defense systems.) to protect its airbase in Latakia and other military and civilian facilities. There were also reports that Syria had acquired 36 Pantsir-S1s, capable of hitting 4 targets simultaneously at 20 km distance and 15 km altitude, and some Buk-M2Es, the export model which differs from its predecessor, the Buk M1-2 by having better protection from radio-electronic jamming and new features for highlighting targets and targeting missiles. The Buk-M2E can ensure simultaneous tracking of up to 24 air targets with ability to attack the 6 most dangerous ones. It has radar highlighting and targeting with an antenna post that can be elevated 21 meters enabling greater effectiveness on striking low-flying targets. (“Putin in Syria: Rebels Retake Hama Town Of Morek Despite Month Of Russian Air Strikes“, The Interpreter, 05.11.2015).

HX77 KORAL EW suit: KORAL stands for “Land Based Radar Electronic Warfare System” which is composed of one Radar Electronic Support and four Radar Electronic Attack systems all mounted on 8×8 tactical military vehicles. It is controlled from Operation Control Units, which houses the operators. The system is built by NATO standards and provides NBC protection for the crew (Source: @Saturn5_).

one thing about the s400 SAMs, if they are located around latakia/hmeymim air base, they can’t detect turkish air movements in the north and others in the east in “low” heights till 1500m or even more. which was used for the ambush of the su-24 in november, as some media claimed.

so why aren’t the russians use tactical reconnaissance with Su-24MR or even AWACS with A-50 (such planes can assign targets to s400)? to